COG – Gig Review 16th February @ Max Watts, Melbourne VIC

After taking a ten-year break from touring Cog are back doing what they do best and what a showtheyput on for a sold-out Max Watts crowd! I was in awe watching this band perform as I was squished up against the wall. My night started late (really late) as I regretfully missed The Omnific. I still managed to make it just in time for Osaka Punch’s(formally The Kidney Thieves)set and honestly, I was less than impressed. I wasn’t a big fan this band’s whack sound and stage presence (at one moment during their set every band member was simultaneously scatting). This band didn’t seem like a suitable band to support COG as their sound is quite funky and almost jazz-like. But that’s just my opinion.

Finally, it was time for Cog to take to the stage, opening with ‘The Doors (Now And Then My Life Feels Like It’s Going Nowhere)’ the venue had an electrifying buzz around it, with what seemed like the entire room not missing a single lyric as they yelled the songs back at the band. This energy only intensified throughout the entire 70-minute set, especially during fan favourites such as ‘Altered States’, ‘My Enemy’ and ‘Bird of Feather’. I was extremely impressed with drummer Lucius Borich as he played without missing a beat and working twice as hard to simultaneously provide back-up vocals, as well as lead vocalist Flynn Gowler putting on a fantastic performance without missing a single note. I was blown back at just how great his voice sounded live after not hearing it for what seems like forever. It was quite a pleasure to watch!

After taking a break from touring for several years COG have kept the bar high with their stellar performances and continue to impress the masses years after their conception.

COG Live Photo: Adam Rice

Setlist

The Doors (Now And Then My Life Feels Like It’s Going Nowhere)Are You Interested?What IfAltered StatesResonateThe MiddleRunThe SpineDrawn TogetherMy EnemyBird of Feather